The Salvation Army of Arkansas and Oklahoma is becoming active in disaster response. A strong storm system crossed Oklahoma and Arkansas this afternoon and evening that developed multiple thunderstorms and a tornado in NE Oklahoma.

The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Command is deploying their canteen and an Emergency Disaster Response team to Rogers County at the request of Emergency Management. The team will be providing snacks and hydration throughout the night to first responders as well as residents affected by the tornado that touched down near Claremore, Oklahoma.

Further details will be provided after assessments are made after daybreak on Thursday morning. The Salvation Army will be working closely with first responders, emergency management at the local and state levels to ascertain what the needs are for emergency response.

Monetary Donations are always needed to offset the costs of services to storm victims.
• Online: Visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
• By Phone: Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY
• Donations of Household Good and Clothing: Due to the emergency situation, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that any individual donations of household goods or clothing (gifts-in-kind) will be sent to the disaster area. In times of disaster, our stores fill these needs from existing, pre-sorted stock. PLEASE continue to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army store. You will help your community and help us prepare for future disaster relief needs. To find your nearest drop-off location, please go to www.satruck.org.

All donations for disaster services will be used for disaster response.

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 7, 2015) – The Arkansas-Oklahoma Division of The Salvation Army is continuing to respond to those affected by the December 26/27 storm that brought severe winter weather and flooding across the two states. Most communities have power fully restored in the areas affected by the ice, yet flooding continues along the Arkansas River.

Oklahoma Severe Winter Weather Salvation Army Units in Altus, Enid, Muskogee, Norman and Oklahoma City all provided assistance during the severe cold weather and ice storms that affected Oklahoma. From hot meals to snacks, hydration and shelter from the cold, officers, employees and volunteers met the needs of those seeking refuge from the storm.

Eastern Oklahoma / Arkansas FloodingThe Salvation Army of Pine Bluff continues to coordinate with the American Red Cross by supplying two evacuation centers, Swan Lake and Wright/Pastoria, with food and other essential items. Fort Smith and Conway Arkansas Salvation Army units have also been providing assistance to those affected by flooding in the areas they serve.

Captain David Leonard, Corps Officer in Pine Bluff, Arkansas shared that while delivering dinner to the people in Wright/Pastoria, an older lady came up to him and grabbed both his hands, looked him in the eye and said, “I don’t know what we’d have done if it weren’t for The Salvation Army. You’re a good man.” Leonard states “I just made it outside as the tears came. What a privilege and honor it is to serve others in Jesus’ name.” Captain Leonard also reports many more families were affected with this round of flooding compared to the flooding experienced in June 2015.

To date, service delivery for the winter storm and flooding includes 2,267 meals, 3,164 drinks and 760 snacks. Officers, employees and volunteers have provided over 713 hours of service. Close to 900 flood bucket clean up kits have been issued from the divisional EDS department for distribution in affected areas.

The Emergency Disaster Services department of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division continues to assist the local Salvation Army units with resources necessary to support their communities along with monitoring current and future flooding along the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers. Coordination is taking place with the Oklahoma and Arkansas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) for feeding and bulk distribution of flood bucket clean up kits.

How to Help:Monetary donations are always needed to offset the costs of services to storm victims. There are various ways in which to donate to help those affected in Arkansas and Oklahoma:Checks can be mailed to the following with “Arkansas-Oklahoma Severe Winter Weather / Flooding” in the memo:

Donations of Household Good and Clothing:
Due to the emergency situation, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that any individual donations of household goods or clothing (gifts-in-kind) will be sent to the disaster area. In times of disaster, our stores fill these needs from existing, pre-sorted stock. PLEASE continue to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army store. You will help your community and help us prepare for future disaster relief needs. To find your nearest drop-off location, please go to www.satruck.org.

OKLAHOMA CITY (December 30, 2015) – The Salvation Army is responding in both Arkansas and Oklahoma to areas affected by severe winter weather and flooding. The same storm system that brought devastating and deadly tornadoes to Texas on December 27 brought blizzard conditions to northwestern Oklahoma, an ice storm to central, northern and southwestern Oklahoma, and torrential rains causing historical flooding in Eastern Oklahoma and across Arkansas, as well as straight line wind and tornado damage in southern Arkansas. A State of Emergency has been declared by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin for all 77 counties and declarations for disaster have been made for 35 counties by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.

Oklahoma Severe Winter Weather On Sunday, across Oklahoma, The Salvation Army opened warming centers in Altus, Enid, Norman and Oklahoma City, and Ponca City in response to winter weather including blizzard conditions and ice storms. Additionally, warm meals were provided to those taking refuge at the warming centers and affected by power outages. As of Wednesday all of the warming centers have returned to normal daily operations.

The Altus Salvation Army also began serving a community shelter in Hollis at the request of the local emergency manager in Harmon County. They served dinner on Tuesday and served lunch and dinner on Wednesday. Service will continue for the shelter until power is fully restored to the community.

Eastern Oklahoma / Western Arkansas FloodingThe Salvation Army units located in Tulsa and Muskogee are preparing to support and standing by for the potential to serve for flooding occurring in eastern Oklahoma along the Illinois River and Arkansas River as well as many lakes and tributaries feeding into the rivers. Additionally, record flooding is occurring along the Arkansas River and the River Valley in Arkansas. The Salvation Army of Fort Smith remains on standby as well.

The Salvation Army of Pine Bluff, Arkansas is coordinating with the American Red Cross and county emergency management to provide water and meals for flooding in their communities. Boats are already being used to reach neighborhoods and historical flooding levels are expected.

The Emergency Disaster Services department of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division is assisting the local Salvation Army units with resources necessary to support their communities for both the winter weather and ice storms, along with the ongoing and future flooding in both states. Coordination is taking place with the Oklahoma and Arkansas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) for feeding and bulk distribution of flood bucket clean up kits.

“It will take a long time for the residents to fully recover from a disaster of this severity,” said Laurie Fried, Disaster Recovery Coordinator for The Salvation Army, Arkansas-Oklahoma Division. “As one of the service providers in these two states we have long-standing partnerships that allow us to help our clients meet a very broad range of needs.”

“As we start the New Year, a time we traditionally set goals and look forward to the coming year, many of our neighbors are in crisis,” stated Fried. “Your support of The Salvation Army allows us to provide a warm meal, an encouraging word and hope for recovering from these devastating storms.”How to Help:Monetary donations are always needed to offset the costs of services to storm victims. There are various ways in which to donate to help those affected in Arkansas and Oklahoma:· Checks can be mailed to the following with “Arkansas-Oklahoma Severe Winter Weather / Flooding” in the memo:The Salvation ArmyPO Box 53068Oklahoma City, OK 73152

· Donations of Household Good and Clothing:
Due to the emergency situation, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that any individual donations of household goods or clothing (gifts-in-kind) will be sent to the disaster area. In times of disaster, our stores fill these needs from existing, pre-sorted stock. PLEASE continue to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army store. You will help your community and help us prepare for future disaster relief needs. To find your nearest drop-off location, please go to www.satruck.org.Additional updates will be posted as additional information is forthcoming at www.twitter.com/SalArmyAOk, www.facebook.com/SalArmyAOK, and www.twitter.com/SalArmyAOKEDS and www.salvationarmyaok.org.

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About The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Approximately 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (HumanNeedsIndex.org). For more information, go to salvationarmyusa.org or follow on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS

Oklahoma City, OK (June 24, 2015) – Partnerships with local and statewide agencies are often the fastest and most efficient way for The Salvation Army to provide care and services during times of disaster, and the Emergency Disaster Services Department of the Arkansas & Oklahoma Division have found strong partnerships with the American Red Cross, Baptist Disaster Relief of the Arkansas and Oklahoma State Conventions, and Catholic Charities of Oklahoma.

With recent flooding in the region, one of the most practical needs that The Salvation Army is able to meet are supplies and tools to help survivors clean up their homes. These items are prepackaged in a plastic bucket referred to as a “clean up kit”, and include mops, brooms, gloves and other essential supplies to help a family clean their residence. These kits are often found on the back of a Salvation Army canteen, but when delivered to partners like the Arkansas and Oklahoma Baptist Conventions, these kits are able to be distributed over a larger range within the affected areas in a shorter amount of time, allowing locations that might not have as many trained Salvation Army personnel on hand to be able to provide their services effectively.

During the May 2015 flooding incident, The Salvation Army was able to provide the Oklahoma Baptist Convention with 768 clean up kits in the counties of Cleveland, Leflore, Bryan, Comanche, and Oklahoma. These kits were then distributed out to survivor’s homes within the flooded region of the state by volunteers and staff with the Oklahoma Baptist Convention. Additionally, The Salvation Army provided 480 clean up kits to the Arkansas Baptist Convention for flooding that occurred along the Arkansas River.

“The Salvation Army clean up kit buckets have been a huge blessing to the 2015 Oklahoma flood recovery. The kits have exactly what is needed to clean out a flooded home,” said Sam Porter, State Director of Disaster Relief, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.

In addition to the service provided by the Baptist Disaster Relief, The Salvation Army has also delivered 1,012 clean up kits to the American Red Cross and Catholic Charities to be distributed to residents in need in the flood stricken areas across Oklahoma.

The Salvation Army would like to extend its heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Arkansas and Oklahoma Baptist Convention Disaster Relief teams, The American Red Cross and Catholic Charities of Oklahoma for their longstanding partnership and service during times of disaster.

The Salvation Army of Pine Bluff celebrated National Donut Day on Friday with a heart of gratitude to the first responders of the recent flooding in Jefferson County, Arkansas. With 50 dozen donuts from Lybrands in hand, emergency disaster response teams delivered the sweet snacks to the Officer of Emergency Management, the 911 Call Center, police department, fire department, and local armed forces deployed to the area.

“These agencies and service organizations have worked so hard during this disaster, [The Salvation Army] wanted to show our appreciation for their service and support during this time of need in Jefferson County,” said Captain David Leonard, corps officer for The Salvation Army of Pine Bluff.

National Donut Day was first celebrated by The Salvation Army in 1938 as a way to raise funds during the Great Depression, commemorating the work of the “donut lassies” who served American troops on the front lines during World War I. The Salvation Army continues to recognize this national celebration as a way to reminder to the public that The Salvation Army is available to meet any needs that an individual or family may have.

March 25, 2015 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Salvation Army of Arkansas and Oklahoma is becoming active in disaster response to several areas as a result of weather related events. A strong storm system crossed Oklahoma and Arkansas this afternoon and evening that developed multiple thunderstorms and tornadoes.

OKLAHOMA
Major Carlyle Gargis, Central Oklahoma Area Commander, reports the Central Oklahoma Area Command mobile feeding unit (canteen) has been dispatched at the request of the City of Oklahoma City Emergency Manager. It will set up in southwest Oklahoma City. Additionally, the catering truck is being sent to Moore to assess the need for additional response. This evening, snacks will be provided to responders as well as storm survivors.

Major James Taylor, Tulsa Metropolitan Area Commander, and Captain Ben Walters, Sand Springs, report the Tulsa Area Command canteen has deployed to River Oaks Mobile Home Park in Sand Springs, where an estimated 60 mobile homes were destroyed. They are working closely with emergency management and serving first responders and disaster survivors.

ARKANSAS
Northwest Arkansas Area Command confirms there has been a tornado touch down. Major NJ Pope reports they are in communication with the local Emergency Manager and on standby to support as requested by Emergency Management officials.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Tulsa, OK (March 25, 2015) – Even as storms continue to hammer the area, The Salvation Army Tulsa Area Command is responding to damage reported in the Sand Springs area with a mobile feeding unit (canteen).

Multiple locations in the Tulsa metro area have sustained damage due to high winds, tornadoes, and hail which began a little after 5 PM Central Time this afternoon. The Sand Springs area appears to have received the most damage.

The Salvation Army will be prepared to provide care and compassion to those affected by storms as well as provide food and hydration. Please pray for all of those affected by the storms.

Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized.

• Donors are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY FREE (1-800-725-2769 FREE).

• You can also text the word “TULSA” to 85944 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone. Be sure to confirm your gift by responding with the word “Yes.”

• Donations in the form of checks designated to Sand Springs Tornado Relief may also be mailed to:

The Salvation Army
924 South Hudson
Tulsa, OK 74112

Non-perishable snacks and food items and bottled water may be donated by bringing these items to the Tulsa Area Command, 924 South Hudson, Tulsa, during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., beginning Thursday, March 26.

Comprised of nine local facilities, The Salvation Army Tulsa Area Command includes the Center of Hope shelter and social services center and six local Boys & Girls Clubs, including Broken Arrow. Our mission is to meet human needs of those who need it the most without discrimination. Help us support those in need with a text message, text TULSA to 85944 to make a $10 gift that will be used in the area with the most need.

The Salvation Army has transitioned from response to intermediate and long term recovery following the April tornadoes affecting Northeast Oklahoma and Central Arkansas communities. Immediately following the storms, The Salvation Army mobilized personnel and equipment for immediate needs. Teams provided food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care to survivors and first responders.

The transition to long term recovery occurs as many have received the emergency assistance needed in the immediate days after the tornadoes and are beginning the next steps of recovery and rebuilding their lives. The Salvation Army has been in Arkansas and Oklahoma for over 100 years and will continue to support the community in the future.

The Salvation Army provided the following during its emergency disaster response phase:

7,711 meals served to survivors and first responders

11,660 drinks and snacks served

Emotional and spiritual care to individuals

1,898 hours of employee and volunteer service

$37,000 in Gift Cards were distributed as emergency assistance to 711 Individuals (248 Families) in Arkansas

$20,000 in Gift Cards were distributed as emergency assistance to 284 Individuals (92 Families) in Oklahoma

Major David Robinson states “The Salvation Army Corps and Command in Central Arkansas stepped in to provide emergency disaster services while continuing to assist our day to day clients in need. The Salvation Army will continue to serve our neighbors impacted by the tornadoes as participants in the long term recovery process.”

The Salvation Army has spent more than $150,000 on the initial emergency response to the tornadoes and on providing emergency assistance to the disaster’s survivors. An additional $250,000 has been allocated to support long term recovery efforts. The Salvation Army continues to work together with partner agencies and the communities affected to support those impacted by the April tornadoes. The on-going assistance provided by The Salvation Army will occur through the long term recovery case management process. While needs may change, The Salvation Army is committed to being involved for the long haul.

Long term recovery works to meet unmet disaster-related needs, such as housing repairs, relocation costs, furniture and appliance replacement, medical expenses, and more. Each long term recovery case involves case managers working with the disaster survivors to identify their specific unmet needs to connect them with community resources. For recovery assistance, please call the Inter-Faith & Partners Disaster Recovery Alliance. The alliance is providing assistance to those impacted, in coordination with the Vilonia Disaster Recovery Alliance and the Faulkner County Long Term Recovery Board. The number is 501-205-6873. The Salvation Army is working with disaster clients through the Inter-Faith & Partners Disaster Recovery Alliance.

The Arkansas-Oklahoma Division of The Salvation Army is responding to a very large wildfire that is affecting many in Logan County. Record temperatures, drought and strong winds are causing extreme fire danger to much of Oklahoma. The wildfire, which began on Sunday has reportedly burned over 3,000 acres and is responsible for one fatality. At least 30 structures have been destroyed.

Stillwater: As recent as last Thursday, the Stillwater Salvation Army was assigned a canteen. It provides a wonderful tool to not only assist during times of disaster but also as a ministry tool. The Stillwater Officers, as well as an employee and Advisory Board member just recently attended Emergency Disaster Services training at Camp Heart O’Hills.

Captain Patrishia Knott, Stillwater Salvation Army Officers, reports their team was called last night and asked to deploy early this morning. She states “It was exciting to put the canteen and our training to use so soon. The canteen is still so new to us; we were unpacking the coffee pot on the way! The responders were exhausted this morning, it was an honor to be able to offer a bottle of water, Gatorade, hot coffee, a hot breakfast or snack to those working so hard to put out the fires. And, it was fun writing The Salvation Army Stillwater on the brand new ice chests and equipment!” The Stillwater canteen was asked to provide breakfast to those sheltered by American Red Cross as well as first responders.

Central Oklahoma Area Command: The Central Oklahoma Area Command (COAC) has also been deployed to serve lunch and dinner. COAC’s new Emergency Disaster Coordinator, Kenny Kelly, is gaining experience quickly. He was deployed to Arkansas last week to assist with tornado response and today he is overseeing his unit’s response to the wildfire. Kenny brought a full crew of volunteers plus himself and another employee. We appreciate our volunteers and couldn’t do it without them!

The Salvation Army is working closely with Emergency Management to ensure the response is closely coordinated with multiple partners. The Army is also coordinating feeding efforts with the American Red Cross and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. The Army’s EDS teams will remain on site as long as requested.

Mobile Feeding Units continue to provide food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care to those affected by the tornadoes that swept through Central Arkansas on Sunday evening.

National Weather Service officials announced today the tornado started West of Ferndale and ended in El Paso. It was on the ground for 41.3 miles and lasted over an hour. This tornado was at maximum strength near Downtown Vilonia. Information on the EF-4 rating states that its winds are estimated at 166-200 miles per hour.

Homes and businesses throughout Faulkner County and West Pulaski County suffered serious and at times, catastrophic damage. Captain David Robinson, Corps Officer of The Conway Salvation Army states “Down each of these roads is a home or a neighborhood that is struggling to rebuild. We want them to know that we are here for them for as long as we are needed.”

On one stop, there was a home completely devastated and abandoned, and another with roof damage, downed trees, and destroyed vehicles. Salvation Army feeding teams found a group of neighbors helping the residents’ clear away brush and collect the family’s personal items that littered the yard. Captain Robinson embraced the family with prayer and gave the group a much needed meal.

As of this Wednesday night, The Salvation Army has provided 3,642 prepared meals, 4,065 drinks and 2,304 snacks. Over 80 individuals/families have been provided emotional and spiritual care.

On Thursday, The Salvation Army will deploy five canteens to the following locations: